ANY patients who had invasive dental procedures carried out by Bankstown dentist Dr Chao Bao Dinh could be infected with blood borne viruses, health officials have warned.

The South West Sydney Local Health District and NSW Dental Council have advised any patients to see their GP after an investigation found Dr Dinh wasn’t cleaning his instruments properly to prevent the spread of viruses.

SWSLHD Public Health Unit acting director Dr Madhumati Chatterji said former patients should get tested for bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, as a precaution.

“The potential risk of infection applies to patients who underwent invasive procedures, such as those involving a needle or other instrument piercing the skin, gums or tooth root and other procedures where bleeding may have occurred,” Dr Chatterji said.

Some patients of Bankstown dentist Dr Chao Bao Dinh are being urged by health officials to be blood tests for blood borne viruses. Picture: iStock

“It’s important to note that the risk of a bloodborne virus to any individual patient is low.

“Patients who only had simple check-ups, an X-ray or denture fittings should not be at risk but those with doubts or concerns should see their GP,” she said.

The Dental Council identified Dr Dinh’s poor infection control practices as part of an ongoing audit of infection control measures in dental practices.

The Dental Council has referred the matter concerning Dr Dinh to the Health Care Complaints Commission for investigation.

WHERE HE WORKED

Dr Dinh was working as a sole practitioner at Liberty Plaza, Unit 45, 256 Chapel St in Bankstown.

He has been suspended from practising dentistry and has closed his practice.

He had also previously operated from Unit 4, 324 Chapel Rd, Bankstown, which no longer exists, and Fetherstone St in Bankstown.